Doctor's receptionists

Our GP reception team - large practice open long hours so plenty of staff - are all really helpful. Yes, I’ve heard people verbally abuse them and it’s horrible to witness some of the vile, nasty, often racist comments that some patients make and still the staff keep their cool.
I always think it’s important to convey all the information you’re seeking answers for, be calm and patient, listen attentively and accept that they don’t always have the solution straight away.

* parish? Duh. “particular’.

I worked for our family doctor (a solo - allowed in those days). It was my second job after training 2 years in college - the background to the NHS, Pitman’s medical shorthand and typing etc. I was therefore the only receptionist 8-5pm at the age of 20y, A lovely older lady did 5-7pm (and our wages - PAYE slip and cash in a small brown envelope).

I loved working for him. He was kind, thoughtful and I learned a lot. Interacting daily with Joe Public on the telephone and opening the little window onto the waiting room (chairs round 3 sides of the large waiting room - it was a huge Victorian house in Old Trafford) could be quite challenging at times to say the least!

I have such fond memories of that job, with such a wonderful man and his family (who lived in the massive house). It taught me to be patient and kind, to really listen and take good notes.

One time I took a message from a patient and after morning surgery I’d make us both a coffee, take in messages with the relevant paper files and my shorthand pad and pen. On this parish occasion the doctor asked me whether such & such had been said. “No” I shrugged “they didn’t say”.
“Ah” he said “that means you didn’t ask”.

A learning curve for a young woman, in so many ways.

If it’s improved, it’s about time.
I witnessed some pretty abysmal treatment of a poor old man with an infection in his recently replaced knee. It was unforgivable, but had I said anything, I would have been told I had been verbally violent, etc..l.

Doctors' receptionists used to be so chippy and intrusive. I think they're more polite and friendly nowadays. But I had one really awful experience the day my DH died 3 years ago.
I rang the GP surgery to let his GP know that he had died. It wasn't unexpected, he'd been sinking and the AC were with us.
The receptionist thanked me for letting them know. Then she said, "Have a nice day."
I'm afraid I shouted at her that this was the worst day of my life.
Later, I suggested to the GP that this modern formulaic utterance was inappropriate in that setting, since most patients would not be having particularly nice days, or they wouldn't be there.

I've noticed the same at our dentist surgery over the years!
They're far more accommodating these days 😊

It must be one of the hardest jobs. To be have a keen eye for detail at all times,to be triaging patients, to be the friendly voice on the phone or in person.

Underestimated and usually done by "older" women.